A UNION that represents healthcare workers is to accept a 4% pay rise for NHS staff.

Members of Unison have voted to accept the Scottish Government's pay offer for frontline workers. 

The union had previously campaigned for the three-year deal to be renegotiated in light of the pandemic.

In March, Health Secretary Jeane Freeman set out the pay rise of at least 4% for staff with contracts under the Agenda for Change system.

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Almost 50,000 Unison members were balloted on the proposal and 35% voted, with 84% accepting the pay deal.

Union officials say they will now push for the deal to be implemented as soon as possible.

Glasgow Times: Image by Billy KnoxImage by Billy Knox

Unison’s head of health Willie Duffy said: “This pay rise represents a fair increase for our members and means the majority of our NHS staff will receive a pay increase of at least 4%, which will be backdated to December.

“The fact that 84% of those who took part in the ballot voted in favour of the pay offer shows how much this pay increase means to our members.

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“Scotland’s health workers go above and beyond to keep our NHS services running – not just during the pandemic but each and every day – and we’re delighted to have secured them a fair pay increase.”

Tam Waterson, chair of Unison’s health committee, said: “Through our negotiating and campaigning, Unison managed to bring talks with the Scottish Government forward from June to March.

“We negotiated a fair offer that is weighted towards the lowest paid workers in the NHS.”